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Crystal residents evacuated in face of flooding

CRYSTAL, N.D. – Residents of this Pembina County community evacuated Monday as flooding threatened homes.

County Emergency Manager Andrew Kirking issued this statement just after 7 p.m. Monday:

“At approximately 6 p.m., the decision was made by Mayor Larry McCollum and other leadership of the Crystal community to begin evacuations of the town starting with those most threatened by rising water. Sandbagging efforts supplemented by pumps were unable to match the rate of incoming water and for the safety of residents, an evacuation order was put in place.

“A sheltering area has been established in Cavalier in the county’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in case of mass sheltering needs.

“We have been in contact with Tom Tezel of the American Red Cross Grand Forks Chapter who has provided technical assistance for the shelter and is capable of providing monetary support for meals and unexpected costs.

“JoAnn Mitchel of Crystal will be acting as a local liaison for the Red Cross and will be offering support as required by the county shelter.

“As of now, the shelter will remain open on an as-needed basis and the evacuation of Crystal will last until homes are deemed safe by authorities to re-enter.”